Packing for storage – tips and hints

You might have said it out loud. “Oh, now would be a good time to renovate!” or “It’s definitely time to move!” – and before you know it, it’s happening. All of a sudden, you realize just how many things you possess. It’s a bit overwhelming. Maybe you’re just de-cluttering, but you don’t have the strength to say goodbye to some of your memories. Using storage in these scenarios is pretty resourceful, but getting it all in there without damaging a single thing should be your priority. What is there to say about packing for storage? It’s just packing like any other, right? Not quite. It’s full-on science at times, and when it comes to maneuvering your possessions into cramped spaces – you need a helping hand here and there.

Imagining won’t suffice

You need a plan. An elaborate one. What are you packing for storage? Is it the whole house? How many bulky items? How many boxes will you be needing? What should you get rid of before packing? What kind of storage are you looking for and how big should it be? These are all really important questions before you actually start packing. So, a lot to be considered and organized prior to labor hours!

Packing it wisely

Try using approximately same-size boxes for packing purposes. Trying to stack different shapes and sizes in your storage unit can turn out to be more difficult and time-consuming than solving the Rubik’s cube. Stick to same level stacking, it will save you a lot of space and time. Heavy boxes on the bottom, ALWAYS. You just came up with a great way of storing your holiday decorations and BAM! You smash them with books or an accidental appliance box. Ouch!

Know where to start

Furniture first, that’s your golden rule. All the bulky stuff goes in the back of your storage. Try disassembling your tables, couches, chairs. Just by taking off your table’s legs, you will save a lot of valuable space. It’s a pleasant thing to look at, give it a try!

Whitegoods

If you’re packing whitegoods for your storage, you should prepare each item prior to moving. Defrosting, drying, draining – that’s what you need to do if you want your freezer, refrigerator, washing machine to be mold free. Leaving the door on each appliance even just a tad bit will do the trick for getting the air to circulate. Air is not something storage units are renowned for, so getting moisture absorbers in each of your appliance would be a good idea.

Labeling

Investing in supplies is actually a good idea. Why? You’ll thank yourself later. The style is absolutely up to you, but what you need to be doing is making your boxes SCREAM with content. You can go full on black with !!!!! , you can purchase color code tapes, or just a dozen sharpies. Why is this so important? You won’t be able to find a single thing. You will probably have difficulty remembering where you have put your couch, let alone your winter clothes box. Label them and label them good. Avoid writing drawer #1, #2 or kitchen stuff, bathroom stuff – you won’t actually know what’s inside! You can’t be vague when labeling. Details!

Accessing your boxes

All the neatly stacked boxes and couches are for nothing if you can’t access them at your convenience. Making an isle at the center of your storage unit is something of a life saver! Depending on the size of your storage, you will have access to at least 90% of your belongings. Another way to ensure easy access is to premeditate what you will be needing (but, you can’t really know, can you!) and stack those boxes towards the front, and, again, not all the way at the bottom.

Packing for storage – a must

Like we already mentioned, storage units can be unpredictable due to their limited air flow, even though most of them are climate controlled. In order to avoid potential damage, getting your floor covered with tarp is something you should consider before you actually start bringing in the boxes. Another great solution to preventing any humidity penetrating your cardboard boxes or even possible pests are wooden pallets.

Tips and tricks

Surely, by now you’re ought to know your way around storage. Having a few more tricks up your sleeve can’t do any harm, though!

• Padding your fragile items – you will need blankets, bubble wrap, stretch wrap. make sure to write “fragile” on the box.
• Make every inch count – why leave empty drawers, cabinets and appliances? Use the space to put smaller items inside, but be sure to group and categorize them as well.
• The ceiling is the limit – so why not use all the vertical space at your disposal? Get bed frames, couches to stand proud! Oh, wow, the space saver!
• Try stacking lampshades, you’ll be amazed at how much space lampshades actually consume
• Sealing each and every box with duct tape will prevent any dust from ever entering.
• Don’t forget to remove batteries from remotes, clocks, toys. You wouldn’t want battery acid leaking on your belongings and causing potential damage.
• Never stack glassware
• Get shelves in your storage – don’t leave your walls empty. It will get the most out of your wall potential!

Inventory is everything

Now that you have finished packing for storage (not just finished, mastered it!) don’t leave just yet. Making an inventory of your newly formed storage room is the key to not spending countless hours in search of something you desperately need. It sounds like it is – boring, boring, boring. True, but, mapping out your boxes (you can take photos!) and making this simple, little list will make all the difference. Don’t be lazy, you will be thanking yourself not long after.

Well! You know everything one needs to know about packing and storage. Everything and a bit more! Try to make the most of it and enjoy it as much as possible!